Richard J. Ward, 69, of Oregon, Ohio, passed away Thursday, April 26, 2012 at Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Perrysburg, surrounded by his loving family. Richard was born on September 19, 1942 in Toledo, Ohio, to James B and Jane L. (Banche) Ward. He was a lifetime member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, where he also attended grade school. On May 21, 1960, he married the love of his life, Nancy Gorka. Richard was employed with Dana Corporation as a machine operator for 32 years, retiring in 1993. In later years, he was employed with Wolfe Manufacturing. His memberships included Rossford Eagles, Fremont Moose Lodge, and VFW 4906 where he and Nancy enjoyed line dancing. Richard enjoyed woodworking, playing guitar, fishing, and had a lifelong interest in science fiction. His true passion was spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Nancy; children, Jeff (Valerie) Scott (Lisa); grandchildren, Rick (Kim) May, Jason (Andrea) Ward, Rob, Michael, Devon, and Lucas Ward; 11 great-grandchildren, along with his black labs, Ebony and Jett. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Wendy; and siblings, Maureen, Mary Ann, and Patricia. Friends may call at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 729 White Street, Toledo on Saturday, May 19th from 10:00 am until time of Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Hospice of Northwest Ohio. The family wishes to thank the staff of Hospice of Northwest Ohio for the exceptional care and compassion they gave Richard. Eggleston Meinert & Pavley Funeral Home. www.egglestonmeinert.com The Horizon Life is eternal, and love is immortal, and death is only a horizon; and a horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight. Rossiter Worthington Raymond I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength. I stand and watch her until at length, she hangs like a speck of white cloud on the horizon, just where the sea and sky come to mingle with one another. Then someone at my side says: 'œThere, she is gone.' 'œGone where?' Gone from my sight. That is all. Her diminished size is in me, not in her. And just at the moment when someone at my side says, 'œThere, she is gone, there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready to take up the glad shout: 'œHere she comes' And that is dying. Henry Van Dyke Visitation: Saturday, May 19, 2012 10:00 am to 11:00 am St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church 729 White Street Toledo, Ohio 43605 Services: Saturday, May 19, 2012 11:00 am St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church 729 White Street Toledo, Ohio 43605